Gold Kiwis are one of our favorite, unique offerings for the summer.

Many crops are sensitive to weather extremes — read on for some of the current challenges affecting California growers.

Have you ever noticed when you buy a bag of cherries at the store they are typically all a uniform size? Cherry growers want to make sure the consumer is buying only the highest quality cherry so the cherries go through a machine before being packed to determine the size and quality of the cherry. Cherries have the same size pit regardless of the size of the cherry. The larger the cherry the more flesh on the fruit which demands a premium price.

California Stone Fruit season kicks off with sublime Tioga Cherries from Fruit World.

Spring brings Green Garlic, also known as young garlic or spring garlic. Green garlic is harvested young before the bulbs develop or dry out.  It is harvested at the beginning of spring so its immature bulb and edible, soft green stalks can be used for their slight onion and garlic flavor

Ume Japanese plums are not for eating raw out of hand, as they are very astringent. Ume need to be processed before they can be eaten. How it tastes depends on how you prefer to enjoy it. Ume is commonly used to make salty and sour pickled plums called Umeboshi or plum alcohol called Umeshu.

We are just starting to see organic California Hass avocados on the scene in mid-April due to a cold and rainy winter. The season historically has started as early as January/February in San Diego and works its way north as each area of California finishes their harvest and another area begins.  The beginning of the year is when the California Hass Avocado must pass the minimum allowed level of oil content before being picked. Understanding the geography of where your Hass avocado is grown will help you choose the best flavor.

Spring onions have crisp green leaves and firm white or red bulbs. This mild tasting onion is its own unique variety.  They can be grown year round but they are usually highlighted during the spring.  Now is a great time to try them when some of the storage onions are almost finished and we are waiting for the new fresh crop. 

Formosa Papayas are a large variety with pretty orange flesh, a mild flavor and light fragrant aroma. Papayas contain the super enzyme papain which helps break down protein, aids in digestion and detoxifies the body. Read on to learn how to cut and enjoy papayas, more health benefits and storage and ripening tips.